Over the years, kidney disease has become a significant health concern, where almost 1 in 3 people are estimated to be at risk. In most cases, the symptoms remain undetected until the disease is advanced. Since it takes years to correct a diagnosis, it is difficult to cure chronic kidney disease entirely. However, there are ways in which the progress of the disease can be slowed. Below are a few steps to reverse kidney disease quickly.

Avoid foods that have excess sodium
Whether homemade or packaged, food is made more delicious by the sodium in salt. However, consuming excessive amounts of sodium can harm your kidneys’ health. This is because the kidneys must work harder to filter the excess sodium. For individuals with chronic kidney disease, this can lead to a weakening of the kidneys. So if one is considering how to reverse chronic kidney disease quickly, avoiding sodium-rich foods is the first step. Some examples are:

• Packaged foods such as soups, ready-to-eat meals, and sauces
• Snacks such as pretzels, chips, and crackers
• Deli meats
• Cured meats such as turkey, ham, and salami

Always stay sufficiently hydrated
The kidneys do the essential function of filtering toxins in the body. For this, they require enough water. However, when one is dehydrated, it can lower the flow of blood to the kidneys. This can be detrimental to the function of the kidneys. Similarly, drinking too many fluids can cause water retention leading to further kidney damage. Therefore, one must monitor the level of fluids throughout the day. It is best to check with one’s healthcare professional on how much fluid one should have daily.

Monitor blood sugar levels
When blood sugar levels exceed what is considered healthy, there is a risk of harm to the blood vessels in the kidneys. This can also affect the function of nephrons, which act as kidney filters. Consequently, the overall performance of the kidneys begins to deteriorate, and the symptoms of kidney disease worsen, leading to potential complications. Monitoring blood sugar levels is paramount to know how to reverse early chronic kidney disease. One can achieve so by following the steps given below:

• Having a blood sugar testing kit on hand and regularly monitoring your sugar levels is essential.
• It’s best to avoid certain foods and drinks, such as carbonated beverages and baked goods.
• It is recommended to avoid consuming snacks that contain added sugars.
• Limit the intake of premade meals and packaged foods
• Choose complex carbs such as whole grains, beans, lentils, vegetables, and fruits.

Monitor the protein in meals
Monitoring the type and quantity of protein consumed by individuals with chronic kidney disease is crucial. Proteins are broken down into blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in the body. If the BUN level exceeds the healthy limit, it can impair kidney function, leading to the aggravation of chronic kidney disease symptoms. Therefore, it is important to manage protein intake to prevent the worsening of kidney disease symptoms. Therefore, when thinking about reversing early chronic kidney disease, the next step is to monitor the intake of proteins, in ways such as:

• It is advisable to avoid consuming meals high in protein, particularly those with red meat as an ingredient.
• It is crucial for individuals not receiving dialysis treatment to consume meals that are low in protein.
• It’s important to be aware of the type of proteins you consume.
• Consuming protein sources in moderation, such as lean meat, skinless poultry, yogurt, lentils, and nuts, is recommended.

Be physically active
Living an active lifestyle can be complicated with kidney disease. Avoiding heavy workouts is important, but incorporating some physical activities into your day can be beneficial. The type and intensity of these activities should be based on your overall health and stamina. Before starting new exercises, talk to your primary care doctor and physiotherapist to ensure they suit you. The goal of these activities should be to maintain healthy blood sugar and blood pressure levels, as well as keep your heart healthy. By improving kidney function, these exercises can positively impact your overall health.

Maintain a healthy sleep routine
Maintaining a healthy sleep pattern is crucial for the well-being of our kidneys, as well as our physical and mental health. The body’s natural sleep-wake cycles regulate the kidney’s function, and sticking to a consistent sleep and wake-up schedule helps manage the workload of our kidneys over 24 hours. Therefore, individuals with chronic kidney disease must prioritize a healthy sleep routine, as lack of sleep can lead to a faster decline in kidney function.